The United States has announced sweeping immigration sanctions against South Sudan, including the revocation of existing visas and a suspension of new visa issuances for South Sudanese passport holders. The decision comes amid an escalating diplomatic standoff over the African country’s refusal to receive its repatriated nationals.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the declaration on Saturday, criticizing Juba’s government for what he described as deliberate non-cooperation with international immigration protocols.
“Every sovereign nation is obligated to accept the return of its own citizens when requested,” Rubio stated during a press briefing in Washington. “South Sudan’s continued refusal to cooperate is unacceptable and undermines the integrity of our immigration enforcement system.”
Visa Ban and Its Implications
The announcement means that all South Sudanese passport holders with current U.S. visas will have them revoked with immediate effect. Additionally, new visa applications from South Sudanese nationals will be denied until further notice.
Rubio noted that the United States had exhausted diplomatic options and was left with no choice but to implement the sanctions. He added that Washington is willing to reconsider its position if South Sudan demonstrates full compliance with repatriation protocols.
This hardline move reflects a broader policy trend under the Trump administration, which has taken a more aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. Since returning to office in 2024, President Trump has prioritized the removal of undocumented immigrants and has tightened policies concerning countries seen as uncooperative in accepting deportees.
Temporary Protected Status in Jeopardy
Under the previous administration, South Sudanese nationals residing in the U.S. had been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a humanitarian measure that shields citizens of certain countries from deportation due to conflict, disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. That designation is now set to expire on May 3, 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet confirmed whether TPS will be renewed, but Rubio’s remarks suggest that leniency may no longer be on the table.
“Continued benefits under TPS are contingent on demonstrated progress and good-faith cooperation by the respective government,” he said. “Our patience has limits.”
If TPS is allowed to lapse, thousands of South Sudanese currently living and working legally in the United States could face removal proceedings, potentially straining an already fragile community.
Mounting Tensions in South Sudan
The U.S. decision comes at a precarious moment for South Sudan, where tensions are rapidly rising. Just last week, First Vice President Riek Machar was reportedly placed under house arrest—a move widely seen as a provocation by the ruling administration and a destabilizing blow to the fragile peace agreement signed in 2018.
That agreement had ended a five-year civil war that claimed approximately 400,000 lives and displaced millions. But recent developments suggest the country could be on the verge of slipping back into chaos.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the situation, warning that the country risks “falling over the abyss” if urgent action is not taken. He called on regional and international actors to intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed violence.
In response, a delegation of African Union mediators arrived in the capital, Juba, earlier this week for high-level talks aimed at diffusing tensions and maintaining the fragile peace.
Repercussions of the Visa Ban
The visa restrictions are expected to have immediate and far-reaching consequences. Students, business professionals, and families separated across continents may now find themselves unable to travel or reunite. Advocacy groups have already begun calling on Washington to reconsider the blanket nature of the sanctions.
“This policy will disproportionately hurt innocent civilians who have nothing to do with the government’s failure to comply,” said Janet Okello, a human rights attorney and advocate for South Sudanese migrants. “We urge the Biden administration—excuse me, the Trump administration—to distinguish between government non-cooperation and individual needs for protection.”
According to immigration analysts, the U.S. move could also impact ongoing diplomatic relations between Washington and Juba. South Sudan, a country that gained independence just over a decade ago, has long relied on international aid and support from Western governments, especially the U.S.
Broader Immigration Crackdown
This latest development is part of a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy under President Trump’s second term. His administration has expanded the list of countries facing travel restrictions and tightened rules around refugee admissions and asylum eligibility.
The decision to penalize South Sudan is aligned with a policy framework that seeks greater accountability from foreign governments in immigration enforcement cooperation. In previous years, countries like Eritrea, Cambodia, and Guinea have faced similar sanctions for refusing to accept deported nationals.
Rubio emphasized that these steps are necessary to uphold the rule of law: “The U.S. immigration system cannot function effectively if countries pick and choose when to cooperate.”
What Comes Next?
Observers say that unless South Sudan reverses its position and begins accepting its deported citizens, the visa restrictions are likely to remain in place indefinitely. However, with South Sudan itself in a precarious internal situation, it remains unclear how swiftly—or willingly—the government will respond.
The U.S. has indicated it remains open to renewed dialogue, but only if Juba demonstrates concrete steps toward compliance.
Meanwhile, international concern continues to grow over the humanitarian and political crisis unfolding within South Sudan’s borders. Should the country descend into another full-blown conflict, analysts warn that the consequences will not only affect regional stability but could lead to a new refugee crisis in East Africa and beyond.
For now, both South Sudanese nationals abroad and foreign diplomats are watching closely as Washington turns up the heat in an already volatile equation.
